Effects of Varieties on the Growth and Yield of some Tomatoes [Solanum esculentum (L.)] in Mubi, Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the effect of varieties on the growth and yield of some tomatoes in Mubi Northern Guinea Savannah Nigeria. Tomatoes were obtained from Mubi main market for the experiment. The experimental treatments consist of three different varieties of tomatoes viz; (Seria, UC, and UTC) respectively. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The plot size was measured 3m x 3m with alley of 1m between replication and 1m between plots. Tomatoes seeds were sown directly into the soil by dibbling method Sowing was done by hand using hoe and after germination the seedlings were thinned to one per stand in a hole for better yield. The results of varieties on plant height showed a significant difference (P≤0.01) level of significance at 3, 6, and 9 WAS, UTC recorded the highest mean value (23.17) followed by Seria (14.47) with UC recording the least (9.76) at 3 WAS. Similarly, at 6 and 9 WAS UTC recorded the highest mean value of (60.69) and (78.52) followed by Seria at (78.08cm) at 9 WAS and (49.75cm) at 6 WAS where UC recorded the least at (41.02cm) and (61.16cm) at 6 and 9 WAS. The results obtained agree with the findings (lqtidar et al, 2006 and Keskar et al; 2011). The number of branches per plant at 3, 6 and 9 WAS, the results showed a significant of (P ≥ 0.01) differences at 3,6 and 9 WAS. UTC recorded the highest mean value (20.26), (14.66) seria at 9 WAS followed by UC (14.80) and (9.20) seria at 6 WAS.